What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love how simple and comforting this homemade French onion soup is, with its rich, caramelized flavors and gooey melted cheese topping. It’s the perfect dish to warm you up on chilly evenings, and it feels just like something you’d get at a cozy bistro.
- Deep, savory flavor from slowly caramelized onions that turn sweet and golden.
- Easy to make with just a few basic ingredients but tastes impressively gourmet.
- Crowd-pleasing comfort food—great for sharing or enjoying solo with crusty bread.
Recipe
French Onion Soup is a classic, comforting dish featuring caramelized onions in a rich beef broth, topped with toasted bread and melted cheese. This homemade version is simple to make and delivers deep, savory flavors.
Ingredients:
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 slices of French baguette
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are deeply caramelized, about 30-40 minutes.
- Add the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the beef broth, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Preheat the oven broiler. Toast the baguette slices until golden.
- Ladle the soup into oven-safe bowls. Place a toasted baguette slice on top of each bowl and sprinkle generously with Gruyère cheese.
- Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes:
For a deeper flavor, use homemade beef broth. Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to achieving the soup’s signature richness.
Equipment:
Large pot, oven-safe soup bowls, baking sheet, oven broiler
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
French
Serving:
4 servings
Nutrition
Caramelized onions and rich broth make this soup hearty. Nutritional values are per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Protein | 14g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my French onion soup with something crunchy or cheesy to balance the rich flavors. Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the broth, and cheesy baked potatoes add a comforting twist. Trust me, these sides make the meal feel extra special.
Crunchy Garlic Bread
Whenever I’m making French onion soup, I can’t resist pairing it with some crunchy garlic bread—it’s like they were made for each other. I slice up a baguette, brush it generously with olive oil, and sprinkle on minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a touch of parsley. Then I pop it in the oven until it’s golden and crisp. The warm, toasty bread adds the perfect crunch to complement the rich, savory soup. It’s also great for soaking up every last bit of broth. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never want them apart.
Cheesy Baked Potatoes
If you’re looking for a side that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor, cheesy baked potatoes are a surefire winner. I love how they pair perfectly with French onion soup, adding a rich and creamy element that balances the soup’s savory depth. Start by baking russet potatoes until they’re tender, then slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Add a generous dollop of butter, sprinkle with salt, and smother them in shredded cheddar cheese. A quick bake melts the cheese into gooey perfection, and a sprinkle of chives adds a fresh finish. Trust me, it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
